Marcello Cobelli: “Independent Serie A is not an issue”

Above all, Asiago President Piercarlo Mantovani. Marcello Cobelli, President of the LIHG league association, makes it clear in the following interview that an independent Serie A is currently not an alternative to the existing Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL).

In the coming season there will be 2 South Tyrolean teams in the ICEHL. How do you rate the “rise” of HC Pustertal?

Marcello Cobelli: “I’m happy for the Pusterers. Their rise is very positive for the entire ice hockey movement in this country. After all, the ICEHL is an excellent league with a very good level.”

However, the Puster ICEHL recording did not cause people to jump for joy everywhere.

“That’s somehow understandable. After all, there aren't that many clubs in Italy. There have been 7 in the AlpsHL so far. With HC Pustertal, the league is losing one of the best organized clubs, which has always been one of the best in terms of sport. In the short term, saying goodbye to HC Pustertal hurts. In the medium term, however, it can be seen as a success. Finally, even more young players now have the opportunity to play at a higher level. When HC Bozen said goodbye to the EBEL in the summer of 2013, many thought it would be the end of local ice hockey.”

The president of HC Asiago, Piercarlo Mantovani, recently vented his anger in an interview and suggested that the AlpsHL would be history. Do you share this opinion?

"No. Quite the opposite. If we had an alternative to AlpsHL, then maybe. Because we were already faced with the problem of having few suitable teams five years ago, the cross-border league was founded. With the advantage of being able to compete with other opponents from other countries. Mantovani is a very impulsive person. That's why I wouldn't overestimate his statements. I think that after a few days, he also understood that an independent Serie A is currently not an alternative to the AlpsHL.

<a data-caption="Simon Kostner (Rittner Buam, links) und Daniel Mantenuto (Asiago, rechts) werden auch in der kommenden Saison in der Alps Hockey League mitmischen. © Foto Max Pattis" data-fancybox="inline-74648" target="_image" href="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x1280/img/2021/03/simon-kostner-rittner-buam-links-und-daniel-mantenuto-asiago-rechts-werden-auch-in-der-kommenden-saison-in-der-alps-hockey-league-mitmischen.jpg"> Simon Kostner (Rittner Buam, left) and Daniel Mantenuto (Asiago, right) will also be involved in the Alps Hockey League next season. © Photo Max Pattis

On Wednesday, the 6 remaining Italian AlpsHL clubs discussed the future at a video conference. What was the mood like?

“No one is happy at the moment. Above all, the vexing topic of coronavirus is causing problems for the clubs. Especially now, shortly before the start of the play-offs, it is frustrating for the club representatives to be alone in the stadium. In the past, full spectator stands were a great satisfaction for the officials and a confirmation that they had done a good job. The loss of the two driving forces HC Pustertal and Laibach doesn’t make the mood any better.”

What goals do Rittner Buam, HC Gherdëina, Wipptal Broncos, Asiago, Cortina and Fassa want to pursue in the coming season?

“They will also take part in the AlpsHL in the 2021/22 season. However, the prerequisite for this is that the league must not lose too much quality. Another junior team like Klagenfurt II or Linz II would only harm the league. Unfortunately, the AlpsHL is often devalued. But I firmly believe that it is much better than its reputation.”

Recently, voices have been raised again and again regarding a resurrection of Serie A. Who could take part besides the 6 existing clubs - always assuming that no one drops out?

"That's a good question. First it needs to be clarified whether the 6 existing clubs will still be there next season. Wipptal is in a difficult situation after the stadium collapsed. I have the greatest respect that the Broncos will end the current season. HC Fassa also has problems. If things go badly, there could only be 4 Italian clubs left next year. Unfortunately, no one from the lower leagues is pushing their way. The IHL is – as much as I’m sorry – a veteran league. If we had the secure commitment of at least 4 clubs, then we could perhaps think about a Serie A. At the meeting, Varese, Milan, Valpellice and Meran were brought into play as possible teams. For me, there are too many question marks at these clubs.”

The AlpsHL Forum will take place in Innsbruck tomorrow, Sunday. What topics are these about?

“The forum will be held via video conference for the first time. In around 2 hours we will discuss the upcoming play-offs, but also set the course for the next season. It will also be about the departure of Laibach and Pustertal.”

It has already been reported from Austria that Zell am See will return to the AlpsHL next season. Triglav Kranj from Slovenia has expressed interest. Are there also possible clubs from Italy?

“Apparently HC Meran has asked the Italian ice sports association FISG. I only found out about it in a roundabout way. The return from Zell am See is said to have already been decided. According to rumors, Vienna and Graz could also have an AlpsHL team. But I wouldn't be happy about that. The Slovenians have made it clear that they will only send a powerful team into the race alongside Jesenice.”

Interview: Kurt Platter

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Marcello Cobelli: “Independent Serie A is not an issue”

It has been clear for 10 days that HC Pustertal will be involved in the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) next season. The “rise” of the “Wolves” was not met with understanding everywhere and particularly lured Serie A nostalgics out of their holes.

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